Paroled sex offender arrested in abduction of Palmdale teen

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A paroled sex offender was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a teenage girl early Saturday in Palmdale, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.

Richard Stine allegedly abducted the 17-year-old shortly before 8 a.m. as she walked along Palmdale Boulevard near 30th Street East, said Deputy Jodi Wolfe of the sheriff's Palmdale station. Stine "approached her from behind and pushed an object into her back."

The unidentified victim told authorities that Stine ordered her to keep walking or he would shoot her, Wolfe said. "As Stine forcibly escorted her across the street, the victim began to wave her arms to gain attention from passersby,'' Wolfe said.

A concerned citizen saw the distressed teen and called for help, Wolfe said. "Deputies quickly responded using their radio car's red lights and siren. When the victim saw them, she broke free from Stine and ran towards the deputies."

Stine, who wears an ankle monitor, immediately surrendered and authorities arrested him on suspicion of kidnapping with the intent to rape. He is being held at the Palmdale sheriff's station on $100,000 bail, in addition to a parole hold.